Where were the best spots in the world to witness the total solar eclipse on Wednesday, Aug. 12? Just as it emerged as the winner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Spain outperformed most destinations, offering the best views.

Spain was expected to attract tourists for eclipse viewing, as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Space.com and other experts considered the country a prime destination for skywatchers.

When the moon slipped directly between Earth and the sun at about 8:30 p.m. local time (2:30 p.m. ET), Spain’s mainland witnessed its first total solar eclipse since 1905, according to the European Space Agency. The eclipse was expected to end at about sunset in most spots there.

The total eclipse was expected to be viewable in Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia and a small corner of Portugal, according to NASA. 

Where in the US was the eclipse visible?

Parts of the United States, including Alaska, northern states such as Montana and North Dakota, and eastern states including New York and Pennsylvania, witnessed a partial solar eclipse.

Did you miss the eclipse? You have another chance at a celestial show on Wednesday night, Aug. 12, as the Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak from the evening and into the morning of Aug. 13.

Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him atmikegsnider  &  @mikegsnider.bsky.social  &  @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.